19th May 2026
New Zealand’s dairy sector has celebrated its rising talent at the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, with winners from across the country recognised for leadership, innovation and determination in farming.
More than 640 people attended the awards gala at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre on Saturday night, with this year’s theme, Te Puna o te Mana, focusing on the source of excellence within the dairy industry.
Southland/Otago farmers Scott and Stacey Mackereth were named the 2026 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, while Canterbury/North Otago’s Lauren McConnachie took out Dairy Manager of the Year, and West Coast/Top of the South entrant Mark Ready won Dairy Trainee of the Year.
Judges said a strong theme across this year’s awards was the wide range of pathways now available in dairy farming, with many finalists building careers and equity through hard work rather than family ownership.
Scott and Stacey Mackereth impressed judges with their large-scale contract milking operation at Edendale, where they manage 1400 cows across 464 hectares and oversee a team of 13 staff.
Head judge Robert Ervine said the couple combined strong business performance with a people-focused approach.
The judges highlighted their emphasis on staff wellbeing, including the use of the Te Whare Tapa Whā holistic Māori health model and weekly reflection sessions for employees.
The couple also drew praise for rebuilding their farming careers after business setbacks caused by COVID-19 disruptions in the United States.
Waikato sharemilkers Glenn and Georgie van Heuven were runners-up in the Share Farmer category, recognised for strong financial management and community involvement, while Manawatū farmers Karl and Jess Wood placed third.
In the Dairy Manager of the Year category, Lauren McConnachie was recognised for managing a 2170-cow operation for Theland Farm Group in Canterbury.
Judges described the 35-year-old as highly organised, technically strong and effective at turning complex farm systems into clear plans for staff.
Taranaki entrant Miriam Lauridsen was runner-up, with Waikato’s Annie Gill placing third.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Mark Ready claimed the Dairy Trainee of the Year title after judges praised his planning, ambition and progress toward herd ownership.
Ready, who manages a 250-cow farm in Maruia, has already purchased his first line of cows and set a clear pathway toward farm ownership.
Canterbury/North Otago entrant Sam O’Neill was runner-up after impressing judges with his agricultural science knowledge and leadership potential.
The awards also highlighted stories of opportunity within the industry.
Uruguay-born couple Alvaro Luzardo and Ximena Puig won the ASB Alumni of the Year Award after arriving in New Zealand in 2015 with limited English and progressing into sharemilking.
Three groups of first-generation dairy farmers were also recognised through the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award, which supports entrants moving toward farm ownership with financial backing and mentoring support.
Canterbury dairy farmer Tony Dodunski received the 2026 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award for leadership in environmentally sustainable farming practices in the Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora catchment.
The 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards showcased a new generation of dairy leaders emerging across the country, with judges highlighting resilience, innovation and strong people-focused leadership as defining qualities among this year’s winners.
From large-scale farm managers to young trainees building toward ownership, the awards reflected an industry focused on creating opportunities and developing future farming talent.
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